Browns will start Kessler despite injury

Published: October 14, 2016 6:00 AM

BEREA -- Cody Kessler's body responded well enough to recent practices for the Browns to stick to the plan they formulated early this week.

The Browns (0-5) will start Kessler at quarterback Sunday when they face the Tennessee Titans (2-3) on the road despite the painful injury the rookie third-round draft pick suffered on the left side of his chest and rib area this past weekend in a 33-13 loss to the New England Patriots.

Kessler fully participated in practice after being limited Wednesday. He's still feeling some discomfort when he throws, but he's feeling better. He's receiving treatment two or three times a day.

"It kinds of reminds you it's there a little bit on some throws," Kessler said. "But no, it's been fine."

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Jackson said he didn't know whether veteran quarterback Josh McCown would be available to play Sunday. McCown has missed the past three games after suffering a fractured left collarbone Sept. 18 in a 25-20 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He returned to practice this week and was a limited participant Wednesday and Thursday.

If McCown isn't cleared to play, Jackson said the Browns would use "a combination of whatever we need to do" to backup Kessler. Translation: Rookie fifth-round pick Kevin Hogan and quarterback-turned-wide receiver Terrelle Pryor would fill in for Kessler if needed.

After quarterbacks Robert Griffin III (fractured left shoulder) and McCown were hurt in the first two games, Kessler started the past three games and performed well each time. He has completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 529 yards and two touchdowns with an interception. He has posted a passer rating of 87.9, taken four sacks and fumbled four times, losing one.

"He is getting better," Jackson said. "He is understanding our system, how to play within our system, where to deliver the ball to. He has started to play in a rhythm that runs our offense and a rhythm that works for him."

Has he met Jackson's expectations?

"It is still early, but I think he is doing some good things," Jackson replied. "He is getting better. Obviously, the more these young guys play, the better they will get. He has done some things well, but he has to continue to grow."

"It felt better today and it keeps feeling better each day, which is improvement," Kessler said. "I think that's what made Coach Jackson feel more comfortable is that I told him, 'Hey, it's feeling better and better each day.' It keeps improving, and today it felt great. Just a little discomfort here and there for some things, but I'm excited and ready to go."

Jackson is hoping Kessler can pick up where he left off before the injury.

"That is what he wants to do," Jackson said. "That is what we want to do on offense is go back to that drive we had [against the Patriots] before he got hurt and play in that kind of rhythm and that fashion."